Microsoft's failure to find a home for Ninja Theory voids the one, very tenuous upside to Senua's SGF reveal
There’s plenty to dislike about this latest round of corporate-mandated Xbox misery . The hundreds more human beings losing their livelihoods. The embracing of risk-averse factory line development. The fact that nobody, still, knows what on earth is happening with Arkane . Read more
Microsoft's inability to secure a home for Ninja Theory extinguishes the meager ray of hope that accompanied the reveal of Senua's SGF. The decision to potentially sell the studio comes at a time when discussion about the trailer's timing raises questions about Microsoft's motives. If they knew they wanted to sell Ninja Theory and didn't plan to promote Senua, their actions seem even harsher.
Conversely, if Microsoft didn't know their intent was to sell the studio but still showcased Senua, it raises concerns about their incompetence. The video trailer's success in securing financial backing for the studio could be seen as either clever strategy or a misstep, but ultimately, Microsoft's choice has resulted in nothing positive.
The Xbox brand, which appears to be flush with funds for AI investments, has now decided that Ninja Theory's existence is no longer worth preserving. Thus, amidst the gloom, one must acknowledge that the reveal of the game might have been the Xbox's last chance to demonstrate wisdom and competence, but unfortunately, they have blown it.
Ultimately, the closure of Ninja Theory stands as Microsoft's first casualty of the impending 2026 cutbacks regime. The only silver lining might be that this marks the end of any lingering belief in Xbox's benevolence or basic competence.
Written by urgent.news from Rock Paper Shotgun's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
